First-I really appreciate all info. Thanks very much!
Update- last week, I disputed the issue to the bank, and reported to the local police and the post office. I am supposed to get a call from a police officer and a postal inspector in the next couple of days.
I have a new account number with the bank. There was a second issue, of a low three figure e-charge made to Verizon, for a customer that doesn’t share my surname, and Wells Fargo reversed that in short order (why did they even pay it? Why do they not automatically flag the account?). They said my dispute on the check could take 10 business days to resolve. They are in for one hell of an argument, and legal action, if they don’t resolve it in my favor.
So, I will be paying bills online now. Question- why are checks printed with the routing number and account number? Before this incident, I thought that was a risk; now I realize that it’s an absolute offering to lazy thieves.